Effects of Harvesting Dates on Qualitative Characteristics of Bread Wheat Cultivars

Abstract

In the agricultural season of 2022/2023, wheat crop samples were collected from farmers' fields in Al-Muthana Governorate to investigate the impact of different harvesting dates on the qualities and qualitative characteristics of bread wheat varieties. The study utilized a factorial experimental design, incorporating two factors: harvesting dates (18.04, 28.04, and 08.05) and wheat bread varieties (Ibaa 99, Babylon, Wafia), each with three replications. Key findings included significant differences among harvesting dates, with the first harvest date yielding the highest averages for 1000 grain weight, grain moisture, and specific weight. In contrast, the third harvest date recorded the highest protein percentage in grains. Additionally, significant variations were observed among wheat cultivars, with Ibaa 99 having the highest protein percentage, Babylon having the highest 1000 grain weight, grain moisture, and specific weight, and Wafia having the highest wet gluten content. The interaction between these factors showed significant differences in most qualitative traits studied. This study highlights the importance of selecting optimal harvesting dates to maximize wheat quality attributes. Keywords: Wheat, qualitative characteristics, harvesting dates.